IBM buys Tririga software in ‘smart building’ play

IBM already manages computers with software. Now it wants to manage buildings.

The computing giant today said it intends to acquire Las Vegas-based Tririga for an undisclosed amount, giving IBM software for managing a portfolio of buildings, including projects to improve building efficiency and lower carbon emissions.

IBM said it is part of its strategy to give corporations better ways to manage their facilities and equipment. Tririga’s applications will be part of IBM’s Tivoli division of management software.

“Having one view of building operations worldwide will be a powerful tool to help organizations control and optimize their second-largest corporate expense–property,” said Florence Hudson, energy and environment executive at IBM said in a statement.

Tririga’s software is aimed at facility managers, giving them a way to monitor buildings to improve their utilization or to manage maintenance. One application from the company is geared at improving efficiency and monitoring environmental factors, such as recycling rates and energy consumption. With it, a building manager can prioritize energy efficiency projects, such as changing out heating and cooling equipment, and monitor the results.

IBM’s acquisition of Tririga follows its strategy of acquiring software companies and integrating their products to offer a broader set of products to corporations. It expands on IBM’s “smarter buildings” campaign to apply technology, including sensors and analytical software, to improve efficiency and productivity.